Twilight stood at the edge of the Everfree forest, staring in to the darkness, she took a deep breath, hesitating as she put a hoof forward. “I’m powerful, why am I scared?” She questioned herself as she edged slightly closer. “I can do this!” She stepped forward several paces, before a sudden flock of birds flew from within the forest up in to the sky startling her.
She jumped back in a panic, gasping as she did so.
“Why am I so scared?” She stepped back in annoyance. “Maybe I need help after all…” She sighed as she turned her back to the eerily forest. “I need to go home.” She swiftly walked away, wiping a drip of sweat from her head as she did so. Suddenly as if a sudden realization hit her, she stopped in her tracks. Twilight’s ears dropped, as did her head. “Home…” Her voice was empty and broken.
It was late evening in Ponyville, just like any other, the sun was slowly beginning to set, the remaning light shone off Twilights castle, creating a beautiful shine and gleam around her new home. Twilight stepped inside, the cold atmosphere of the castle immediately greeted her. “Castle sweet castle.” She grumbled to herself. “Stupid castle…” She added, a bitter tone, she had thought about her old oak library all the time. Twilight stood alone for a while, gazing around the place she now had to call home, a solemn silence loomed for several seconds, before the knock of the door startled her.
Twilight shook her head snapping out of her thoughts, puzzled as to who was knocking, mere minutes after she herself had gotten back, she composed herself before opening the door with a forced grin. “Oh, hey Fluttershy, how’s it going?” Twilight was happy to see her friend.
“Oh not bad thank you, I just wanted to make sure you were doing okay.” Fluttershy’s calm voice was rather soothing. “I came around earlier but Spike said you were out.” Fluttershy flicked her long pink hair out of her eye.
“Well I’m back now, come on in.” Twilight warmly invited her friend inside, stepping aside to let her pass. “So what’s up?” Twilight asked the joyful Pegasus.
“Oh I just came earlier to drop off a new house warming gift.” Fluttershy beamed. “Well I suppose it’s a castle warming gift.” She giggled, correcting herself.
Twilight shook her head. “Oh Fluttershy you didn’t have to.”
“I gave it to Spike to give to you when I came by earlier, I thought I’d just come around to see if you liked it.” Fluttershy interrupted, insistent her friend accepted the gift.
“Thank you Fluttershy that means a lot, I've only just gotten back.” Twilight smiled, she averted her gaze and took a deep breath. “Spike!” She called, her voice echoing around the huge room.
The small purple dragon ran swiftly down the stairs and in to the main room. “Hey Twilight! Fluttershy.” He greeted the two ponies politely.
“Fluttershy said she gave you a gift to give to me.”
“Oh sure thing! I already put it out on that shelf by the window.” Spike pointed to the nearby window where the last remaining sunlight of the day shone through.
Twilight glanced over towards the window, looking around for a moment before noticing a sunflower. “Oh, a flower!” Twilight stared for a moment at the bright sunflower, its petals were an unusual assortment of colors, a change from the usual yellow, a mix of blue, purple and several others.
“Oh it’s not just any flower Twilight, it’s an enchanted flower from the forest and they’re rare to come by. Just look at the multicolored petals!” Fluttershy was in awe of the beauty of nature.
“Enchanted how?”
“It’s really rather amazing, when it’s exposed to enough sunlight it becomes happy and starts to sway slightly, like doing a dance!” Fluttershy became increasingly excited. “These flowers are simply beautiful and some ponies say they have feelings!”
“Wait so, they’re conscious?” Twilight asked.
“Apaprently so, they can sense joy and sadness, they can even become fearful and shake! Oh the poor things!” Fluttershy put her hoof to her mouth, shaking her head slightly. “Just ensure you water it daily and be gentle, it’ll blossom in to something amazing one day, these flowers are truly beautiful, legend says it will grow in to – “
“That’s beautiful, thank you Fluttershy.” Twilight interrupted, uninterested by the flower, still appreciating the thought. “It really… means a lot.” Twilight spoke, her voice broke slightly, a stray tear rolled down her face, she quickly turned to face away from Fluttershy. "The hell is wrong with me?" She spoke under her breath, subtly wiping the tear away.
“Oh sweetie! What’s wrong? Oh Twilight, please don’t cry!” Fluttershy quickly ran over to her friend, putting a comforting hoof around her.
Spike awkwardly stared between the two ponies, exchanging a confusing worried look with Fluttershy.
Twilight wiped her eyes and shook her head. “I’m sorry Fluttershy, I’ve just not been myself lately.”
“Well what’s wrong Twilight? Is there anything I can help with?” Fluttershy broke from the embrace and looked at her friend, concerned.
“It’s Owlowiscious.” Twilight sighed. “He’s not back yet.”
“Oh my, he’s still missing?”
“Ever since Tirek destroy my old library, he flew off scared. He’s nowhere to be found. And this castle… its just so, cold.” She had no idea how to describe this new home it felt empty, lonely. “I keep trying to settle in, but I’ve lost him and this place is just… not home.”
Fluttershy looked around the place for several moments, before looking back to her friend. “Oh sweetie it’ll be okay, I’m sure he’ll come back, and well I thought you liked this place now, we all tried to help decorate it for you.” Fluttershy forced a smile. “It’ll just take some getting used to.”
“I guess I just need to get used to this new life too.” Twilight laughed faintly in order to stop more tears from falling. “This whole being a princess thing is still new to me, I suppose I miss the easier days.”
“I know you will feel better soon, and Owlowiscious will come back, I just know it.” Fluttershy tried to lift Twilights spirits. “You’re a princess but you’re still the same Twilight we all love.”
“Thanks Fluttershy.” Twilight sighed, walking towards the window, gazing at the small flower that was slowly wilting. “I keep going to the Everfree forest, standing outside wanting to go in and search for him, if he’s anywhere… well he’ll be there... But I keep feeling so scared to go in there! I know I shouldn't because I could just fly through there and use some magic or something but I...” Twilight stopped to gasp for breath.
"Oh Twilight you don't have to explain yourself, no matter how fast or powerful you are, we're all scared of that place, we don't even know half the dangers that lurk around in that big meanie forest." Fluttershy shuddered, before realising she wasn't helping. “But I do know that owls love forests, his old home was destroyed, it’s natural he’d be scared, he’s probably made a new nest in there, eventually though I just know he’ll come back to you, he knows you love him.”
“I suppose so." Twilight smiled, wiping the tears away once more, suddenly she noticed something move from the corner of her eye. "Hey Fluttershy? This flower is wilting, it can’t be dying already?” Twilight gazed at the flower as it gently fell lower, the stem wilting further.
Fluttershy gazed sadly at the flower. “The flower is sad because you are Twilight, it can sense how you feel.” Fluttershy walked over to the window, placing a hoof under the flower, lifting it slightly.
“That’s remarkable…” Twilight stared for a few moments, before shaking her head. “I’m not going to be sad about this, like you said Owlowiscious will be back.” She smiled confidently. “Thank you so much Fluttershy.” Twilight was thankful for her friends’ kind words.
The flower gently lifted itself up slightly reflecting Twilight’s optimism.
“Don’t mention it.” Fluttershy smiled happily, her voice full of gentle delight. “Well I suppose I should go and feed the animals, it is getting darker, stay strong princess, you have a beautiful little empire now, I’m sure everypony will be willing to help you search the forest if you just ask and you'll find him in no time.”
Twilight stopped for a moment, Fluttershy’s words slowly sinking in. “It means a lot for you to say that Fluttershy. You’re honestly the best.” She smiled.
“I’ll see you later Twilight.” Fluttershy’s calming voice spoke as she left the castle.
“See you around.” Twilight watched her friend slowly walk off, she gently closed the door behind her, before turning to Spike. “Spike, I need some study time.” Twilight spoke sternly, ushering the small dragon to head upstairs to leave her in peace.
“Again?” He groaned in response. “And Twilight are you feeling okay? I know lately you’ve been – “
“Bed time mister!” She replied.
Spike was taken by surprise, glancing out the window to where the sun was barely setting. “But it’s only – “
Twilight merely stared in response, Spike groaned and admitted defeat, heading upstairs.
Twilight swiftly and eagerly scanned the bookshelves, taking out various books with her magic, placing them on the glass table set in the corner of the room near the window. “This one… and that one. So many books about wildlife…” before long a messy assortment of books were scattered across the table. “This is good, you’re doing good!” Twilight spoke to herself confidently.
She sat by the table, brining the first book forward, entitled ‘Forest creatures: Creatures of forest habitats’ carefully opening the book, blowing off the dust as she did so she examined the contents page. “Owls, owls… Owls! There we go.” She found the page she had been searching for.
Muttering to herself she read the words down the page, nothing of interest caught her attention. She growled in frustration. “There needs to be some way to find where he could be, the forest is huge, maybe there is someway to attract him back here! The forest is too dangerous for any pony to go looking around.” Twilight was in deep conversation with herself as she scanned the books eagerly. “I’ll find a way to bring him back to me.” She grinned eagerly as her mind raced with ideas.
The ecstatic study session was soon interrupted as Twilight heard a distant voice.
“It just looks so amazing, doesn’t it!” The voice sounded rather excited and familiar.
“What the?” Twilight knew instantly the voice was coming from just outside.
“I’ll take just a few more!” The voice came again.
Twilight stood up from her glass desk, the books remained scattered, she swiftly headed to the door opening it in one quick motion. A large white flash instantly obstructed her vision, blinding her momentarily. “Ouch!” She put her hoof to her eyes, unsure as to what had happened. "What the hell is - " Her vision suddenly came back.
“Oh! Sorry Princess Twilight.” Lyra pulled down the large camera she was carrying in embarrassment. “I was just showing my friend here around Ponyville, he came all the way from Phillydelphia, I just thought we should come and visit your amazing castle.”
Twilight stared confused for a moment, glancing between Lyra and the stallion she’d never seen before. “So you came here to just take photos?”
“Well yes, only if that’s okay with you Princess!” Lyra grinned nervously.
“This is a remarkable castle Princess Twilight.” The stallion beamed. “It’s amazing, the way it sparkles, it looks so rich and classy, I really just want to have one peak inside Princess!” He slowly peaked behind Twilight.
Twilight frowned and moved forward to obscure his view. “This isn’t a tourist destination, can you please just...!” Twilight began to raise her voice, before calming down. “Look, just call me Twilight okay? Enough of the princess, could you maybe just come back another time? I’ve got a lot of important work going on right now.”
“Oh of course Twilight, we know you must be busy!” Lyra gestured for her friend to follow. “Oh I must bring Bon Bon here too!” she beamed to her friend as they walked away. "She would really love it, I mean who wouldn't?" she turned to look at the giant castle once more, noticing Twilights rather annoyed face lingering in the doorway.
Twilight sighed and turned around to enter her home once more.
“Enjoy being the most famous pony in Equestria right now!” Lyra called back to her.
Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath, calmly closing the door behind her, resisting the urge to slam it. She stared once more at the now messy castle; books sprawled over the study area desk, the warmth of the outside was soon forgotten, replaced by the crystal cold atmosphere of the castle.
“Stupid! Castle! Stupid being a princess!” She yelled. “Why do things have to change?” She breathed heavily, rolling her eyes at the large amount of books that needed to be rearranged. She sighed and sat down on the floor, casting a glow around the books on the desk. “Erm, alphabetical order… A goes here, D that goes there… where’s the other A book?” She cast a glow around several books at once, attempting to place them in the correct place on the shelf. “B after C? Geez Twilight have you forgotten the alphabet now?” She stamped her hoof in annoyance.
She dropped the books, as she noticed a problem with the books already neatly placed in the bookcase. “A B C… E...D?” She frowned, casting one more intense glow around the entirety of the bookcase, with a jerk of her head every book flew from the shelf on to the floor. “There needs to be more order here!” She sat down, picking up several books; the entire floor was now covered in various pieces of literature. "How the hell did I not realise my entire collection of books were in the wrong damn order?" She sat herself down, frantically looking around the books.
“A B C D” She made several piles, searching desperately through the pile. “E F G!” She giggled to herself. “Of course I wouldn’t forget the alphabet. This place will soon be neat and tidy, then Owlowiscious will have a perfect home to come back to!” Twilight stood up, analyzing the several hundred books all around the once flawlessly neat castle. “This is going to take forever! Why the hell did I do this?” She took a few steps back. “This stupid castle… stupid… bookshelf! See how stressed you’re making me!” she cursed herself for the mess she had made in her moment of madness. “Why can’t things be simple?” She yelled slamming her hooves down on the glass desk she had been studying on.
A loud smash echoed around the castle, the table smashed, several shards of glass fell to the floor. “Damn it!” Twilight felt a sting of pain; her right hoof had been cut fairly deep by a piece of the destroyed glass desk.
“Twilight… are you okay?” Spike had heard the noise and headed down the stairs to investigate.
“Got to arrange these bookshelves!” Twilight smiled. “Just stay upstairs Spike.” Twilgiht spoke through gritted teeth as her hoof began to bleed more intensely. "Can you believe I almost forgot the alphabet?" Twilight laughed trying to lighten the mood.
“Twilight please calm down, you’re really tired and you’re having trouble settling in here.” Spike couldn’t contain the concern anymore. “Please Twilight, just go and sleep for a few hours, I’ll tidy everything up here.”
“No no, I was just looking for a book on owls, that’s all, it's important study time."
Spike edged down the stairs some more, his eyes widening at the entire bookcase which contents now lay on the floor. “Twilight if this is about Owlowiscious – “
“He’ll come back right? I’m a good friend to him… and to you right?” Twilight interrupted him, wincing slightly as her hoof stinged.
“You’re the best Twilight, but even the best need to sleep sometimes.” Spike attempted to calm his best friend down. “Wait, you’re bleeding!”
“It’s nothing honestly.” Twilight tried to hide her hoof.
“Don’t we have any bandages around here? What about some healing spell or something, or – “
“Spike! I… I’m fine, thank you for the concern.” Twilight smiled warmly, attempting to convince the worried dragon.
“Look Twilight, maybe what Fluttershy said earlier was right maybe he’s found a new nest in the Everfree Forest, we can go looking for him and – “
Twilight shook her head, raising her hoof to stop Spike from speaking. “It’s too dangerous for you in there, I’m going to do some more research, if he doesn’t come back I’ll go myself.”
Spike hesitated for a moment; the look of worry crossed his face. “Look we’ll sort this out when you’ve rested for a while.” He spoke somewhat confidently, before noticing Twilight’s annoyed expression. “Please?”
Twilight sighed. “Fine, I’ll be up in a few minutes, okay? I’ll clean the glass up and the books… they can wait, we’ll put them back tomorrow.”
Spike nodded sadly in response. “I love you Twilight.”
“I love you too Spike.” Twilight watched her loyal friend walk up the stairs, waiting a few moments until he was out of earshot. “I need to get my head together now… come on Twilight.” She sat down, closing her eyes attempting to calm down.
She thought back to Fluttershy’s earlier comment, she had called Twilight a princess with a 'beautiful little empire.'
“Empire…” Twilight scoffed. “Since I moved here there’s been nothing but trouble, I wish I never came to this stupid town." She quickly opened her eyes and gasped. “How could I think that? Since I moved here I’ve made the best friends I could ever ask for.” She stamped her front hooves and stood up quickly, she needed to escape her current mindset. “I just need to get some rest, and maybe tomorrow I can start fresh.” She nodded to herself, turning around to face away from the messy chaos she had created.
“Ouch!” Twilight cried in pain, upon turning around she had stepped her right hoof on another shard of glass from the table she had broken. “Again? For real? Damn it! Same hoof as well, oh great!” She cursed under her breath; the wound began to bleed more, dripping on to the floor. She stared for a while at the reflection in the glass, the faint reflection of her own face visible as she towered over the tiny shard, a drop of blood remained on the edge of the glass.
She stared for what felt like several minutes, gazing at the shard, the occasional drip of blood fell from the tip, she lifted her hoof, the deep cut would usually make her feel faint. Instead she smiled to herself rather menacingly and smug. Purposely stepping on the shard with force the wound opened and bled further, intense pain surged through her, yet she remained calm. The glass cracked before it shattered in to several more pieces.
“I am more powerful than you.” She hissed, her expression changing to one of hatred, glaring down at the tiny shards. Twilight gazed once more at her injury, gritting her teeth as she proceeded to walk, each step causing a sharp pain, leaving several faint bloody hoof prints, although the smile remained over her face. “Castle sweet castle.” She smirked.
From the corner of her eye she noticed a faint movement, the small enchanted flower resting on the shelf by the window was shaking, increasing in speed, swaying from side to side until it became rapid, shaking more and more, as if as Fluttershy had described, it was fearful.
Canterlot. A few months ago.
“Damn these Changelings are fast!” A startled voice came, the pony wiped sweat from her forehead, pushing her long blonde mane out of her eyes. Quickly she tied it up into a rather messy bun.
“I told you they would be, just watch and learn remember?” Sweetie Drops slided across and sat beside her as they hid behind one of the large castle walls. “How’re you enjoying your first mission?” She asked excitedly, the thrill of the action surging through her.
Before the pony could answer, the twisted snarling face of a changeling appeared around the corner, it’s eyes widening as it prepared to attack.
Without thinking or batting an eyelid, Sweetie Drops had forced her right hoof into the creature's face, causing it to drop down instantly. “Is it everything you’d hoped for?” She smiled happily.
The other agent gasped slightly. “You sure know what you’re doing Agent Sweetie Drops.” She spoke in awe.
“Hey, just call me Sweetie Drops.” The earth pony mare smiled.
The other agent raised her hoof in salute. “I’m Agent Toffee Crumble.”
“Oh I know that rookie, I’ve done my research!” Sweetie Drops teased playfully. “Now come on let's go! We need to ensure Princess Celestia is safe, not even she could deal with this many changelings!” She proceeded to sneak around the corner towards the castle entrance.
The huge city of Canterlot was shrouded in darkness, the swarm of Changelings overhead had gathered in such mass, the sun had been blocked out. The impending army attack had only one target, Princess Celestia.
Toffee Crumble panicked, following Sweetie Drops cautiously. “If Princess Celestia can’t, how could we?” Toffee Crumble asked frantically.
“You’ve got a lot to learn about me, I assume you know of my reputation?” Sweetie Drops replied.
“Everypony says you’re the best of the best and can get into anywhere and stop anything, they say you’re feared by changelings… you’re like a demon to them.” Toffee Crumble laughed slightly almost in disbelief.
“I’m highly underrated then.” Sweetie Drops smirked. “Now come on! They want to drain her magic and we can’t let that happen!”
The two agents walked around to the castle entrance, the doors hadn’t yet been breached. “Oh thank Celestia, they’ve not entered yet, but the swarm is on it’s way.” Sweetie Drops wiped some sweat from her forehead, glancing up towards the gathering army.
“Are you sure they can drain all of her magic? What if it’s too much and they can’t handle it?” Toffee Crumble asked. “I mean Princess Celestia has so much power…” She cautiously glanced up towards the changelings.
Sweetie Drops shook her head. “Draining the magic of Princess Celestia would take a while but they’ll survive it, it needs to be that way should the Princess need to transfer her magic to one of her trusted advisors to keep herself safe, it wouldn’t kill anypony that takes it from her, they’d just find it hard to control.” Sweetie Drops spoke, cautiously looking towards the castle doors. “We’ll bust them when they try and get inside.” She spoke to her fellow agent lingering behind.
“So draining magic from the princess wouldn’t be deadly to anypony.” Toffee Crumble cleared her throat.
Sweetie Drops edged towards the castle door. “No which is why we need to go inside and protect her. The changelings are hesitating, they’re not sure if they can handle draining her magic, we need to save the Princess before the figure out they can!”
“Are you sure that’s the case?” Toffee Crumble asked.
“Trust me rookie, I know the score here, I’ve worked for Princess Celestia for so long now, I know these things.” Sweetie Drops galloped over towards the entrance of the mighty castle.
“Is the Princess’s throne room protected?” Crumble swiftly kept up with Sweetie Drops pace.
“Kid, you ask so many questions, let me ask you one.” Sweetie Drops spoke, rushing through the castle hallway. “Do you know how to deal with these things?”
“The changelings don’t seem to have a weakness.” She replied.
The two mares galloped through the pristine perfect castle, the usual sun reflected panes of glass no longer cast their usual glow, all sun light had been denied by the army of changelings in the sky.
“A swift hoof to the face usually does it, haven’t you been paying attention?” Sweetie Drops rolled her eyes. “Come on, this way!” She took a sharp left turn, heading towards a huge door that stood out from the others.
“Is this the throne room?” Toffee Crumble asked.
Sweetie Drops burst through the giant doors, the loud sound echoing throughout the entire castle. “What do you think rookie.” She sighed with relief upon seeing Princess Celestia.
“Agent Sweetie Drops!” Princess Celestia was relieved to see her trusted protector, the look of concern however quickly crept over her face.
“Cotton candy.” Sweetie Drops spoke assertively. “Now I’ve said the code word you know I’m me, Princess, it isn’t safe here, we need to get you out of here.”
Princess Celestia shook her head.“There’s a swarm gathering outside, I don’t believe my magic could hold off such an army.”
“It’s okay Princess, the changelings aren’t sure if they can safely drain your magic, that’s why they’re hesitating, we can get you out before they work it all out.” Sweetie Drops quickly responded, glancing back to Toffee Crumble. “Agent Crumble and I will handle the situation princess
“There will still be countless changelings surrounding Canterlot, how do you expect us to deal with - “ Princess Celestia started.
“Princess Celestia, you can trust us to handle this.” Agent Toffee Crumble stepped forward, clearing her throat. “I assure you, everything is under control.”
“Toffee Crumble is right princess.” Sweetie Drops nodded.
“Everything is under control.” Toffee Crumble grinned. She stared for a brief moment at Princess Celestia. “Perfectly under control...Changelings! Take down Princess Celestia! We have the strength, there is no danger!” She called loudly, her voice echoing throughout the entire castle.
The vast swarm of Changelings overhead began dive bombing towards the castle at intense speeds, rapidly approaching.
“Crumble?” Sweetie Drops turned around, her face in shock and panic. “What the hell are you doing?”
“Crumble is dead, didn't you even notice I'd murdered that poor excuse of a secret agent?” Toffee Crumble’s face became twisted, a faint glow cast around her body as she transformed into a changeling.
Sweetie Drops gritted her teeth. “You creatures are vile and cruel, you will not touch Princess Celestia! And what you did to Crumble, was a big mistake.” Sweetie Drops voice became growly with rage. “Stay back princess!” Sweetie Drops called back to Princess Celestia
“And you intend to stop us? Well that sure worked for your fellow agent.” The Changeling hissed. "You secret agents... you're all quite frankly pathetic. The swarm approaches! We shall have your magic, and we shall destroy you!” The changeling snarled at Princess Celestia.
Sweetie Drops lunged towards the changeling, striking her right hoof in to it’s face with one more fatal punch. The creature fell to the ground in shock. “I will murder every single one of you bastards.” She spat.
“You have… no chance.” The Changeling spoke weakly. “There is no way you can stop us! No way at all!”
"Oh I can." Sweetie Drops leaned down to stare at the helpless changeling. "Give me two hours, and your whole army will be dealt with." She spat.
One hour and fifty two minutes later.
“All dealt with, Princess.” Sweetie Drops bowed to Princess Celestia.
“Your bravery saved me and everypony in Canterlot, Agent Sweetie Drops, we are graciously thankful.” Princess Celestia attempted to smile, despite the events of today being a huge scare. “I dread to think what would have happened, had it not been for you.”
“I just did my job, Princess Celestia.” Sweetie Drops smiled respectfully. “We sure made a good team!” She giggled before composing herself more professionally.
Princess Celestia returned the smile and wandered slightly around the large throne room. “You took down an entire army of changelings, you never cease to amaze me. I do have another job of importance for you however.” She spoke uneasily.
“What is it, Princess?” Sweetie Drops swiftly replied.
“Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Celestia hesitated with her words.
Sweetie Drops frowned. “What about her?”
“She has been stumbling through the early princess stages, learning of her new path in life… yet I fear that if she stumbles down the wrong path… danger could be imminent.” Princess Celestia looked concerningly out the window, admiring the vast view of her city.
“You think Twilight Sparkle would turn evil? With respect she – “
“I know Princess Twilight better than most, Sweetie Drops.” Celestia sighed. “I don’t think for a second she could become evil, I am however fearful she might make the wrong decisions, thinking by doing so she is helping the greater good. You understand why I have this concern.”
“Princess Luna.” Sweetie Drops nodded understandingly.
“I couldn’t bare for my beloved student to follow the same path, I ask you to go to Ponyville and please keep a watchful eye on her.”
“Spy on Princess Twilight, easy enough.” Sweetie Drops spoke.
“A watchful eye.” Celestia corrected the agent, disliking the use of the word ‘spy’
Sweetie Drops nodded confidently. “Okay time to resume the role of… which allais do I use for Ponyville again?” She questioned herself, leading so many double lives had become somewhat confusing at times.
“Bon Bon.” Princess Celestia answered.
Ponyville, Present day.
"Oh come on, what more do you want?" Twilight sighed sitting on the floor putting her head in her hooves.
"Um, are you okay Twilight?" Spike looked up from where he was sweeping several shards of glass away carefully.
"This flower Fluttershy gave me keeps shaking! Stop!" Twilight yelled at the small flower on the window shelf.
“Maybe it just needs some water.” Spike spoke, getting no reply. “I’m nearly done I think!” Spike cheered lifting the mood. “But I suppose I’ll need to tidy away the books too...Twilight you have too many books.”
Twilight glanced around the cold castle for a moment, fixing her gaze on the pile of books. “I can never have too many.” she spoke, observing the bandage around her bleeding hoof.
“How’s your hoof now?” Spike asked.
Twilight shook her head. “It’s fine honestly… It was just an accident.” She tried to convince the small dragon to stop with the questions.
“Well the glass was no match for these scales!” Spike boasted proudly. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay Twilight?”
“Yes I am… look, Spike I’ve been thinking…” Twilight started.
“About what?” Spike’s voice instantly lost it's usual cheery tone.
Twilight took a deep breath, glancing down at her hoof wrapped in the bandage, she shuddered slightly remembering her actions that cause the injury, it was so unlike her to feel so angry. “Well I was thinking if you could go and take care of some stuff in Canterlot for a while.” She had finally found the courage to speak.
“Royal business?” Spike asked slowly, the concern in his voice growing.
“Yeah something like that.” Twilight replied.
Spike nodded slowly. “What do I need to do?”
For a few moments Twilight hesitated, leaving a lingering silence.
“Twilight?” Spike asked fearfully, before stepping back slightly. “You don’t want me anymore do you?”
“No it’s not that! I think right now I’m just… there’s a lot of stuff I need to do, and Princess Celestia, she’ll probably need you and – “
“You’re just sending me away.” Spike stopped Twilight rambling.
“Spike it’s not like that!”
“Then what is it Twilight? What’s happening to you? You’re throwing books all over the place, breaking glass desks.” Spike confronted her.
“Being a princess is hard Spike! I hate that word, I don’t want to be Princess Twilight. I’m just Twilight, and I need some time alone right now.” Twilight fought back the urge to cry, she hadn’t recognised herself lately and the last thing she would ever want would be for Spike to witness her outbursts and start hating her.
“You’re my best friend, I’ve been with you literally all my life, it’s always been you and me.” Spike tried to stop the tears rolling down his face.
“Just a few days Spike, please… I just need to do some settling in and work and you can be a huge help in Canterlot, you can contact me anytime if you want.”
Spike lowered his head, knowing he was defeated. “How many days?” He asked, his voice sounding empty.
“Five? I don’t know… six? A week, just call it a week, consider it a seven day vacation from looking after me and my stupid mess.” Twilight smiled trying to lift the mood.
He nodded in response, turning around heading towards the stairs. “Well… I guess I’ll pack my stuff then.”
“I hope you understand Spike.” Twilight looked away from her friend, almost ashamed to make eye contact, the guilt washing over her.
“I do, of course I do.” Spike spoke, hurrying up the stairs.
Twilight glanced across to the small flower, it settled slightly, calming, in tune with the atmosphere. "Keep calm Twilight... Everything will be fine." Twilight breathed deeply.
KNOCK KNOCK
The sound of the knocking on the door caused Twilight to roll her eyes. "Right on cue." She sighed, swiftly heading to the door. The light from outside immediately lit up the castle as the door was swung open, living in this unwelcoming castle often felt like being locked away.
"Oh my gosh hey Princess Twilight!" Lyra beamed happily almost instantly as the door was opened.
"Just Twilight." Twilight corrected, smiling widely to suppress her annoyance.
"I was wondering if you're less busy now, could we get some photos of the castle? Bon Bon was just insistent on coming here.” Lyra glanced happily to Bon Bon who stood behind her.
"Now still isn't good, I'm pretty busy.” Twilight spoke, glancing over Lyra towards Bon Bon, staring for a moment.
"Oh please Princess Twilight!" Lyra begged.
Twilight hesitated slightly. "Look maybe tomorrow? I won't be busy tomorrow, I'm free all day. No stupid princess duties." She had tried to make that sound far less serious than she had.
"Stupid? Surely you love being a princess!” Bon Bon spoke over enthusiastically.
"I... Sure, of course." Twilight hurriedly changed subject. "Tomorrow yeah? Good!"' She quickly closed the door with a slam.
"She seems under a lot of pressure." Bon Bon spoke to herself almost forgetting Lyra's presence.
"Totally." Lyra scoffed. “She is so rude for a princess.” She turned her head and strolled away in annoyance.
Twilight stood by the door for a moment, listening to every word spoken by the two ponies outside. “And now everypony is talking about how rude I am! perfect.” she groaned.
Two hours later, Canterlot.
“You visited Twilight earlier, how did she seem?” Princess Celestia got straight to the point as Sweetie Drops entered the throne room.
"Apart from a little bit of stress I really don't see anything worrying." Sweetie Drops answered. “She seems busy and wasn’t too fond of me and Lyra looking around the castle, so she’s not up for visitors, but I don’t see any signs of too much stress.”
"I'd still like you to keep a watchful eye on her Sweetie Drops."
Sweetie Drops cleared her throat. "With respect Princess Celestia, wouldn't I be more useful here defending Canterlot?" She longed for the action and excitement of protecting Equestria’s royal city. “I’ve been around Ponyville for so long and as of late Princess Twilight seems nothing more than just slightly stressed.”
"You are a valuable asset to me and Canterlot, but I cannot shift this worry from my mind." Princess Celestia spoke sternly. “I hope you understand Sweetie Drops, and I hope you understand how grateful I am for protecting Canterlot, I know this assignment however isn’t something you particularly enjoy.”
Sweetie Drops nodded "I’ll take on any mission you need me to Princess, however, I really don't see any signs that she's going off the rails."
Before Princess Celestia had a chance to respond, one of the royal Canterlot castle guards hurried into the room. "Princess Celestia, we have a guest." He spoke clearly.
"Heya princess!" Spike walked in gleefully holding a small briefcase of belongings.
Princess Celestia glanced between Sweetie Drops and the small dragon in mild panic. "Spike! To what do we owe the pleasure?"
"Twilight needed some time alone so she's let me come to stay here for a week!” He tried to keep his spirits high.
Princess Celestia frowned. "It's rather unusual for her to send you away when you could help isn't it?"
"Well she seems to have a lot on her mind, I sure know when Twilight needs space.” Spike rolled his eyes playfully. "Oh hey Bon Bon what are you doing h-"
Spike barely finished his sentence before Princess Celestia cast a magical bright white glow from her horn, causing his vision to become blurry, slowly the small dragon fell to the ground.
“Simple memory spell, he'll forget he ever saw you and will wake up in about half an hour. It’s best for now that he and the rest of Ponyville only know you as Bon Bon.” Princess Celestia walked over to the sleeping dragon. “But for Twilight to send her loyal friend here, it raises some questions.”
"So back to Ponyville I guess..." Sweetie Drops sighed.
Princess Celestia walked over to Spike, who was laying on the floor unconscious. “I’m sorry I had to do that Spike…” Despite only being a completely harmless memory spell, Princess Celestia felt somewhat guilty for casting it on the baby dragon. “You’ll head back to Ponyville now Sweetie Drops, I’ll expect you to report back to me in a week.”
“And if there’s no signficant cause for concern?” Sweetie Drops questioned.
“Then you can return here for your regular duties, I pray more than anything that will be the case.” Princess Celestia spoke.
Twilight stared into the distance, slowly watching the sunset, the calm peaceful moment was a rare occurrence these days.
"And so then I was like, are you crazy?" Pinkie Pie bounced excitedly. "And he was all like, no, you're crazy clearly! But then how can I be crazy? He's the crazy one right?"
Twilight's expression reminded blank. "Sorry what?" She shifted her gaze from the beautiful sunset back to Pinkie Pie as they sat in Ponyville park.
Pinkie shook her hooves around. "The pony that dropped by to Sugarcube Corner earlier kept saying the cupcakes were too bland!" Pinkie banged her hooves on the grass, pulling out a clump in anger as she did so. "What in the name of Celestia was he talking about? Maybe I should add more flavours to the menu for Mrs. Cake, I'll make the business boom! I should do that right?"
"I don't really give a damn." Twilight sighed, shaking her head.
Pinkie’s mouth opened wide. "What?"
"Erm, I don't think that's a good plan." Twilight corrected herself. "I mean not without Mrs. Cake's permission, it is her business." She tried to seem helpful.
Pinkie sighed. "I guess you have a point." She pulled a cupcake seemingly out of thin air, shoving it into her face and consuming the sweet treat with a single bite. “It’s delicious! it’s not bland…” Her eyes swelled with tears. Pinkie looked across to Twilight who sat on the grass staring into the distance, unlike her usual chatty self. "Anywayyyyy, how's life? I haven't seen you in ages."
Twilight shook her head, regaining attention. "Yeah sorry Pinkie, I've really missed you! I've just been so busy." Twilight already seemed exhausted with Pinkie’s extremely loud personality, yet she had ever so missed the company of her beloved Pink friend.
"Well at least we can still have our days out when you're not so busy!" Pinkie’s voice squeaked happily. “Are you sure your hoof is okay? What happened again?”
“It was just an accident, I stepped on some glass.” Twilight took a deep breath, trying to keep calm. "But Pinkie, I'm grateful for your friendship, I wish the others were here, seems like when I'm not busy everypony else is."
Pinkie’s ears dropped slightly. "I know the feeling, when I feel alone I just spend all my time with Gummy!" She instantly perked up once more, thinking about her pet alligator.
"You must love him." Twilight whispered to herself. Her mind drifted off slightly.
Pinkie put a reassuring hoof around Twilight. “Oh Twilight don’t be sad, I’m sure you’ll find Owlowiscious soon, who knows, maybe you might see him on your walk home, it is nearly time for the owls to wake up!”
Twilight smiled at her friends attempts to cheer her up.
Pinkie placed her hoof on Twilight’s injured one. “And when he’s back, we’ll have a party okay?”
Twilight smiled and nodded faintly. “Sure thing Pinkie.” She felt the first genuine smile creep across her face for the first time in a long time, Pinkie always had an aura of happiness around her, it was almost impossible not to smile.
“Another cupcake Twilight?” Pinkie asked cheerfully.
“Oh no thanks Pinkie, I really must get back to my princess duties.” She rolled her eyes.
Pinkie gasped, pulling her hoof away from Twilight’s. “You don’t want another one? Do you… think they taste bland?” Pinkie’s face changed instantly, the usual happiness replaced by tears streaming down her face.
“No of course not!” Twilight panicked. “I suppose I can manage one more then!” She took the cupcake, smiling graciously, desperately not wanting her friend to cry.
Pinkie Pie immediately resumed to her normal self. “Yay!” She squeaked, jumping high up in the air, a seemingly impossible feat.
Twilight forced herself to eat yet another cupcake, swallowing it quickly and taking a deep breath. She stood up from the warm sun bathed grass. “It’s been a wonderful day Pinkie, but I’ve got so much to do before tomorrow and it’s getting dark.” Twilight commented, observing the warm sky as the sun slowly continued to set. She had felt fairly sick after eating several cupcakes, she wasn’t used to eating much these days.
“I understand Twilight.” Pinkie nodded. “But we’ll have a party soon… right?”
“We’re still bestfriends Pinkie, being a princess won't ever stop me attending your parties.” Twilight smiled. “I’m not going to lose my friends, ever.” She embraced her friend happily.
“I’m glad you’re my friend Twilight.” Pinkie’s smile grew wider, the pink pony seemed forever cheerful.
Twilight continued to smile, feeling a wave of positivity. “I’m glad you’re my friend Pinkie.”
After the exchange of farewells, Twilight and Pinkie walked in opposite directions, Twilight sighed happily, despite the stressful life she now lived, nothing could take away the joy her friends brought into her life.
Spike opened his eyes, feeling dazed and confused. His last memories were walking through the large castle doors, it was bright at the time, yet now everything was completely dark.
“Ah you’ve finally woke!” Princess Celestia giggled innocently to calm the young dragon. “Although your sleep pattern might be a tad off balance now, it’s night time.”
“Princess Celestia!” Spike sat up in the extremely comfortable bed he was laying in. “What happened?” He gazed up lazily at the comforting Princess.
“You arrived to see me and you seemed ever so exhausted from carrying that briefcase and the journey here, you simply fell over and into a deep sleep.” Celestia explained. “So I brought you to one of the tower guest rooms for you to rest.”
“Wow I must be more tired than I thought…” Spike spoke to himself. “Anyway, I’m here because Twilight sent me, she - “
“Has been feeling stressed?” Celestia questioned, gazing out the nearby window. “I’m aware of it.”
The night time city of Canterlot looked beautiful from the view of the tall tower, Princess Celestia smiled for a brief moment, often gazing out towards the huge city below made everything seem small, every problem in life seemed to vanish when realizing just how small everything was.
Spike looked down and played with his claws for a moment. “I’m worried about her.”
“Not to worry Spike, I was stressed when I took on the role of Princess, it’s something that will pass.” Princess Celestia nodded confidently. “I hope.” She whispered to herself. “But alas you must sleep now, I’ll have you up at dawn to assist me with some important business!” She spoke cheerfully.
“I just hope Twilight is okay on her own.” Spike pulled the cover over himself more and lay on his side. “I don’t want her to feel alone.” He yawned.
Princess Celestia smiled at the baby dragon as he closed his eyes, she glanced down sadly before leaving the room. “Me neither.” She whispered sadly to herself.
The cold chill of Ponyville after sunset caused Twilight to tense up slightly. She edged cautiously to the Everfree forest. "Tonight is the night I find you." She nodded to herself, wincing slightly as she walked on her sore hoof. "Today has been a good day, I just know what Pinkie said earlier is true, I’ll find you and we’ll have a party!” She grinned eagerly to herself.
The faint light of the moon barely illuminated the Forest as Twilight stepped slowly inside, the tall dark trees blocked most of the light, only a few feet into the forest everything already seemed shrouded in darkness.
"Geez I can't even see where I'm walking." Twilight stepped carefully at a slow pace. "Owlowiscious?" She called out, hesitating with her volume, not wanting to disturb potential danger. "All the Owls will be awake by now surely..." Twilight whispered to herself. "How do I find him... Think Twilight, think." she thought briefly before perking up. "Of course!"
She hopped off the ground flapping her wings as she did so, gently hovering above the ground, slowly making her way up to the tall trees overhead, narrowly avoiding the branches.
"Owlowiscious?" She whispered, slowly flying past the trees. "Owlowiscious it's Twilight, are you here?" She noticed several owls as she gently passed by, none of which were her beloved pet. They glanced at her as she made her way through the trees. She sighed to herself feeling the short lived optimism fading away, before hearing the tiniest hoot of an owl from a tree not too far in the distance.
"Owlowiscious?" She called, picking up speed. The gently hoot came once more. "It's me Twilight!" She sped up more, hitting some branches as she flew through them, not bothered by the few cuts and grazes. She rapidly approached the tree she has been aiming for, stopping as she arrived at the tall trunk, she scanned around before finding the tiny hole, a perfect home for any bird. "Owlowiscious?" She glanced inside happily. To her dismay, the two owls inside were cautiously protecting their young, yet again neither of the Owls were Owlowiscious. "Damn it!" She slammed her hoof against the tree trunk, startling the owls.
Feeling threatened, the male angrily leaned forward using its sharp beak to peck at a Twilight, painfully striking her right wing as she hovered.
"Darn it!” She recoiled in pain away from the tree, backing into a branch causing her to fall downwards, the sharp pain making it harder to keep herself airborne.
She fell to the ground, tumbling through shrubbery as she did so. Immediately she sat up, the pain in her wing causing her to grit her teeth. "Damn it where the hell are you?" She yelled, banging her hooves on the floor. The pain of hitting her injured hoof only made her angrier.
The sound of Twilight's yell echoed throughout the forest. The sudden sound of a threatening growl came from a few feet in front of her. "What now?" She felt her heart rate increase. "Oh of course..."
A menacing looking timber wolf stepped cautiously towards her, twilight backed away at the same pace.
"Easy now...just stay away. I’m just looking for my friend!” She tried to reason with the creatures. “Just don’t eat me okay? because…” She stopped mid sentence. “That - that’s why I can’t find him.” She put her hoof to her mouth and tried not to vomit. “You must have ate him… torn him to pieces and…” Twilight felt a sudden intense paranoia.
The sound of another growl came from behind her, swiftly turning around she saw the red threatening eyes of another wolf. The realisation that she was being surrounded suddenly made her panic. Scanning in a frantic worry in every direction she saw timber wolves approaching, slowly closing in on her. "This is the part where you rip me to shreds isn't it, is that what you did to him?" Twilight gasped, before spreading her wings. "Damn you vile pathetic monsters!" She attempted to fly away, her injured hoof wouldn't allow her to jump in the air and her freshly wounded wing refused to let her fly. She stumbled in pain, falling to the ground. "Damn it! No please!" She panicked.
The surrounding timber wolves prepared to pounce and go for the kill.
"No!" Twilight jumped up, embracing the pain of her hoof. Focusing her energy she shot a red bolt from her horn, using the anger to focus the power. The energy bolt missed the timber wolf in front of her by inches, striking a nearby bush immediately setting it ablaze.
Several of the timber wolves cried in fear stepping backwards away from the fire.
Twilight's eyes widened as she stared at the newly lit flame. "You don't like fire do you? Ha!" Twilight focused her energy, firing several more bolts around the area. “Did you kill my friend?” Several nearby bushes caught on fire, rapidly spreading to the trees, the intense heat of the vastly growing fire began. “Did you?” Twilight growled. Without thinking she fired several more intensely hot beams around the area, quickly she and the wolves were surrounded by flames.
The two wolves in front of Twilight attempted to flee, swiftly in response she fired one final bolt, striking one of the two predators directly, it’s entire body began to burn, it howled in pain and began to screech as it’s entire wooden body was engulfed in flames.
“It’s your fault, I will make you suffer… I’ll burn you! Because you killed my friend, right? I know you did!” Twilight snarled, spinning around to face the other wolves. “You tried to come and kill me and looks what’s happened… do you have any idea who I am?” She stepped forward, causing the wolves to slowly back away, closer to the surrounded wall of fire.
The remaining wolves began to catch fire from the flames surrounding them, the entire forest echoed with their torturous screams as they suffered the slow agonising death Twilight had brought upon them.
“I’m Princess Twilight Sparkle.” She giggled. “And I can burn you!” She laughed loudly.
She coughed several times, the smoke of the fires getting to her lungs, she gasped upon seeing how quickly the fires had spread, several trees had started to burn down at an alarming rate. “Now or never Twilight!” She kicked off the ground, embracing the pain and determinedly flapping her wings, managing to finally gain momentum, swiftly flying away from the chaos.
Painfully flying above the forest, Twilight saw several trees burning, the fire had spread rapidly, causing a huge forest fire. She fought back the tears, the realisation her beloved pet might well be gone had began to hit her. The sound of agonizing howls filled the entire forest, each howl from one of the several Timber Wolves burning to death below her. Twilight's bleeding wing was losing the will to continue flying.
“Oh my gosh… there’s a fire!” Twilight heard one Pony from below shriek in terror.
“Somepony do something!” Another Pony panicked.
Twilight quickly descended to the ground, the pain of flying caused her to curse as she landed just outside the forest. Before long a crowd had gathered not far from her, the huge flames had attracted most residents, the giant cloud of smoke making the night sky of Ponyville even darker.
"Twilight! Oh my gosh the forest is on fire!" Lyra galloped over in a panic. “I was just out for a night time walk and… oh gosh what do we do?”
Twilight cursed under her breath, sick of running into Lyra constantly. "The fire is too big to control, there's nothing we can do." Twilight walked past Lyra, not making eye contact. “And you need to stop following me.” She warned.
Lyra panicked, looking between the fire and Twilight. "But Twilight! The whole forest will be destroyed!" She hurriedly caught up with her. "Twilight!"
“Somepony do something! The entire forest will be gone if this carries on!” Somepony from the crowd cried.
Twilight heard the cries of several ponies from the crowd, some of which she didn’t even know, each pony from this small town she now ruled over panicking over the burning terror she had brought upon the town.
“Twilight, please!” Lyra begged, tears formed in her eyes as she glanced back towards the flames. “I can hear the howls of timber wolves in there… think of all the animals who could die!”
"Address me correctly." Twilight turned around staring Lyra in the eyes with anger.
“I… what?” Lyra was taken back by Twilight’s sudden stern attitude.
“You called me Twilight.” She spoke sternly. "It's Princess Twilight." Twilight growled. “Princess. Got it?” She stamped her hoof to the ground staring at Lyra for several moments. “Show some damn respect.” She turned away and walked off, leaving the burning forest behind her.
Lyra stared open mouthed as Twilight walked away, "Princess..." She cried faintly, almost in shock from how intensely angry Twilight had been.
The howls of pain from the forest and the sounds of panic from the residents all became distant as Twilight continued to walk off aimlessly. “Princess Twilight Sparkle.” She smiled to herself. “More powerful than a pack of timber wolves.” She began to laugh, immensely proud of herself. She took a deep breath and composed herself, continuing to leave the hellish flames behind her.
